A bar and restaurant has been forced to close temporarily after a rodent infestation was discovered.

Bosses at Dukes Bar & Bistro in Margate say the pest problem started when historic tunnels beneath the basement were uncovered and they are working to seal the spaces.

Following a complaint from a member of the public, Thanet District Council (TDC) carried out an environmental health inspection on Wednesday last week, afterwards securing a court order which shut the Market Place venue until there is no longer an “imminent risk of injury to health at the premises.”

A notice in the restaurant window says: “The court is satisfied that at the time of inspection there was an infestation of rodents within the food business which created a serious risk of contamination of food and the existence of a health risk condition.”

In a statement, bosses at Dukes claimed that renovation work in its basement had revealed long-hidden cavities beneath Old Town.

While the find was described as “fascinating,” the restaurant acknowledged that such historic features come with difficulties, particularly when it comes to managing vermin.

“As part of recent renovation works in our basement space, we uncovered a network of historic tunnels and cavities beneath Old Town—something that has fascinated us and shed light on the complexities of maintaining a business in such a historic setting,” they said on Instagram.

“However, as with any old building, these hidden spaces present challenges, particularly when it comes to pest control.”

The bar adds they are taking “swift and decisive” steps to seal the spaces and ensure the venue “continues to meet the highest standards that we have always upheld.”

Following the inspection, TDC applied for a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, which was granted by Margate Magistrates’ Court on February 21.

The order prohibits Dukes from reopening until the council is satisfied that there is no longer a risk to public health.

A council spokesperson said: “The council takes food safety and public health protection very seriously.

“We use formal enforcement action where necessary, when standards fall short of legal requirements.

“A food hygiene inspection was carried out at Dukes, in Duke Street, Margate, following a complaint from a member of the public.

“An application for a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order was heard at Margate Magistrates’ Court on Friday 21 February 2025, to close the premises to protect public health.

“The court granted the order which has been served on Cambray Estates Limited, trading as Dukes. Full costs have been awarded to the council.

“We are unable to provide further information while the investigation is under way.”

Dukes has assured customers that it is working closely with specialists to resolve the issue efficiently and thoroughly, and that it will not reopen until it is confident in meeting the highest standards of hygiene and safety.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support and understanding of our wonderful community and look forward to welcoming you back soon,” they added.

“Thank you for standing by us, we’ll be back before you know it.”